Vet Serves in Denver, CO

Dr. Lori Schmalz

Verified Veterinarian

69 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could be and should be. Since then I have strived to provide excellent service so my clients and patients have the best possible experience in such a difficult and tender time.

Education

Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988

Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992

Certifications

3

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)Human-Animal Bond CertifiedFear Free Certified
  • Based InLittleton, CO
  • Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
  • Work Experience34+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

SaturdayTimes Vary Weekly

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $349

Pet cremation

Dr. Lori Schmalz will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $149 - $499

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $18 - $265

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $225

What pet parents are saying

I highly recommend CodaPet to anyone who has to make that difficult decision to say goodbye to their fur baby. Dr. Lori was absolutely amazing. She was so kind, compassionate and patient. She made such a scary experience truly beautiful. I had my Doobie 15.5 years and when the end came the last thing I wanted was for him to be afraid. She made him so comfortable and peaceful in his own home and bed. I am so grateful I made the decision to contact CodaPet.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 05 2025 by Ivy Meehan
Review by Ivy Meehan
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

After over 16 wonderful years with my beloved shih tzu, Pumpkin, the time came to say goodbye. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, and an incredibly emotional time. Dr. Lori and Codapet helped make this heartbreaking process as gentle and compassionate as possible. Dr. Lori was incredibly kind and supportive throughout, treating both Pumpkin and me with deep care and respect. She ensured Pumpkin’s passing was peaceful and comfortable, and for that, I am truly grateful. Even now, thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Dr. Lori, for your compassion and for helping my sweet girl leave this world with dignity. I’m still waiting to bring her home, but I know in my heart that this was the kindest way she could have gone. Your kindness and comfort meant the world to me. My baby is now at peace, and I can grieve knowing she was surrounded by love and gentleness in her final moments. That kind of peace is truly priceless. Thank you again.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 11 2025 by Mandy P
Review by Mandy P
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Lori Schmalz is amazing! She has a calming, caring spirit that was felt by Sweet Pea and us, during this most difficult transition for all of us. She made this very sad loss a beautiful and peaceful journey to the Rainbow Bridge, freeing Sweet Pea of pain and renewal to fly high with her friends. Having Dr. Lori Schmalz here, we knew we made the right choice for Sweet Pea which is a source of comfort while we still grieve her physical presence.

codapet review
5.0
Apr 13 2026 by Laura C.
Review by Laura C.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Schmalz was very kind and caring towards us and our dog Toby. She made sure we understood the process and gave us time after to be with Toby. She suggested that we have our other two dogs come up and see him after, which we did, and we feel that was such a good thing for them. They know what happened and they aren't looking for him in the house. Dr. Schmalz clearly loves animals and she made sure that Toby was very relaxed and could not feel any pain before she gave him the final meds. She was careful with him when we put him in her car to go to to be cremated and I have no doubt that she was very careful with him once he was out of our care. While this is always the most difficult and heartbreaking decision, it was comforting to know that Dr. Schmalz was there and we knew she cared about us and our Toby. Thank you for providing a wonderful service.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 23 2026 by Catherine M.
Review by Catherine M.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

We were so thankful that Dr. Schmalz was able to come to our home on a Sunday (the same day we contacted her) to provide an in-home pet euthanasia for our sweet, beloved cat who had started to suffer dramatically the night before. Although putting a pet down is always incredibly difficult to decide upon and go through, we were so grateful that Dr. Schmalz could do this in our home where our cat was most comfortable and at peace in his final moments, where we felt more able to grieve openly, and where our other pets could be close by and better process the loss. Having now been through pet euthanasia procedures in both clinical and at-home settings, I will always choose in-home pet euthanasia going forward. Dr. Schmalz was so kind, compassionate, and respectful and really made this process as peaceful as we could ask for. Thank you so much for this amazing service.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 27 2024 by Emily Bowman
Review by Emily Bowman
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Lori was very compassionate and patient with me throughout the process. She assured me that I was doing the right thing for my sweet Dehlia. She shared her vet experience with me and allowed me to spend time with her after. I highly recommend Dr. Lori and coda pet

codapet review
5.0
Mar 20 2025 by Janette M.
Review by Janette M.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture